Local sites added to tourism trail

Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 12:04 pm

Two of Westmoreland County’s most historical sites could receive some additional public attention in the future. This comes after action was taken to join them with similar sites to form the Road to Revolution Heritage Trail.

There is plenty to celebrate about Stratford Hall and James Monore’s Birthplace. Save the date: James Monroe’s Birthday will be celebrated on April 27 at the birthplace at 10:30 a.m.

Following the recently approved announcement, the public learned that James Monroe’s birthplace and Stratford Hall are the newest sites to join the Road to Revolution Heritage Trail, which stretches across the Commonwealth.

“We are very excited to be a part of the new Road to Revolution Trail,” said Stratford Hall spokesperson Jim Schepmoes. “We believe it will have the same impact for Revolutionary War related sites that the Civil War Trails have had for Civil War sites.”

William Thomas, President of the James Monroe Foundation, said he is pleased both sites were incorporated into the trail as a vital part of the birth of the nation.

“The Northern Neck is important and invites special attention…we hope to be a destination to rediscover our history,” said Thomas.

Known for its historical value, the trail tells the tale of the American Revolution.

According to the trail’s web site, the project began in 2007 and has been amended to include several sites stemming from the history of such historical figures as the Lees, Patrick Henry, George Washington, James Monroe and Thomas Jefferson.

Schepmoes and Thomas said they both expect this merger to be a benefit for Westmoreland County.

“We expect the trail will have a most positive effect on tourism for Westmoreland County,” Schepmoes said, adding that the next phase is to have highway directional markers and site wayside signs produced and installed.